Higashi-ku is one of the seven wards of Fukuoka in Japan. As of 1 March 2012, it has a population of 296,576, with 136,133 households and an area of 66.68 km2. Its name literally means "east ward". Kashii is in this ward. It is south of neighbouring Shingū, Fukuoka. The Shika Island is connected to Umi no Nakamichi by a bridge. The annual Fukuoka International Cross Country meeting takes place in this ward.